The Hottest New Engagement Ring Trends

Getting engaged to the love of your life is one of the most significant and emotionally charged moments in your life—so choosing the perfect engagement ring is paramount.

Ancient Egyptians believed that the fourth finger of the left hand had a vein that led to the heart called the vein of love, which is why engagement and wedding rings are worn there. In 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring ever for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, which began the tradition of engagement rings being set with diamonds. Of course, now there are many options to choose from, which cater to a wide variety of tastes and budgets.

Not sure where to start when it comes to selecting the ideal ring? We’ve got a primer on what’s trending this year.

Fancy-Shaped Diamonds

While round-cut diamonds have long dominated the market, fancy-cut stones are rapidly gaining in popularity, with a few specific shapes topping the trend charts. Modern shapes such as marquise, princess and pear are, of course, stunning, but it’s oval and emerald-shaped diamonds that are most in demand this year.

Oval-shaped diamonds are a modified brilliant-cut and an ideal choice if you like the look of a round diamond, but want something more unique. Round-cut diamonds originally rose to popularity because of their inherent sparkle, but a beautifully faceted oval stone can definitely offer comparable shimmer. These diamonds also have a greater surface area than a round diamond of the same weight, meaning that you get a diamond that looks larger, for a lower price. It’s no wonder celebs like Blake Lively and Julianne Hough have opted to sport these sorts of sparklers.

Originally developed as a cutting process for emeralds (as the name indicates), emerald-cut diamonds first emerged in the 1500s. This shape, which can beautifully showcase the clarity of a diamond, rose in popularity during the 1920s and since has become a staple for art deco inspired rings. Both Amal Clooney and Beyonce sport emerald-cut engagement rings, which has put this shape in the spotlight once again.

Simple Ring Settings

This year, brides-to-be are leaning towards the beauty of simplicity; because a striking diamond in a modest setting never goes out of style. But don’t be fooled by the clean lines—choosing a simple engagement ring does not equal limitations on personalization. A ring can be both elegant in its simplicity and as unique as your love.

Classic solitaires with prong settings are a popular type of engagement rings. This iconic setting puts the diamond at the heart of the ring and allows for maximum sparkle. It also enables light to easily travel through the stone. Four and six prong settings are the most widely used, with the four-prong showing more of the stone and giving a round diamond a slightly square look, and the six-prong giving the stone a round or more flowery look and more secure hold.

Halo settings also continue to be popular and can, in fact, make a centre diamond appear larger than it is. This engagement ring design adds an extra layer of brilliance to the centre diamond and works well with a variety of different diamond shapes. For a totally unique piece of jewellery, consider opting for a halo set in a metal different from the rest of the ring, or choose a halo of coloured diamonds. Halo settings are often paired with pave bands for maximum sparkle.

Regardless of the diamond shape and setting you choose, when it comes to purchasing a diamond, Forevermark’s diamonds stand above all others. In fact, less than one percent of the world’s diamonds become Forevermark diamonds. They are carefully selected and come from sources that are committed to rigorous environmental and ethical standards and benefit the people, communities and countries from which they originate. They also carry an assurance that they have been specially selected and preciously cared for at every step of their journey, and are genuine, natural and untreated.

A diamond ring is a huge investment, so doing your research is crucial, but rest assured that once you’ve eventually selected the right cut, setting, band and a high-quality diamond, you’ll be in possession of a treasured family heirloom that forever stands as a symbol of your undying devotion.

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